Allylbenzene Manufacturing Plant Project Report 2025

The demand for allylbenzene is increasing due to its versatile applications across pharmaceuticals and agrochemical industries. Recent research highlights that allylbenzene derivatives are being developed for treating gastrointestinal disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases, such as depression and anxiety, by enhancing serotonin transporter activity. 4-allylbenzene-1,2-diol has also demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against several plant pathogens, showcasing its potential in agricultural applications. Furthermore, allylbenzene compounds are being explored as effective adjuvants in antibiotic therapies. As these innovations unfold, the market for allylbenzene is expected to grow significantly.

Other elements to consider while establishing an allylbenzene plant include raw material sourcing, workforce planning, and packaging. The production of allylbenzene relies on several key raw materials, such as benzene and propylene. Benzene serves as the aromatic component, while propylene provides the allyl group necessary for forming allylbenzene through various chemical reactions. Additionally, other raw materials may include catalysts and solvents used during the synthesis process. The combination of these materials enables the efficient production of allylbenzene, which is crucial for its applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and polymer manufacturing.

Moreover, to help stakeholders determine the economics of an allylbenzene plant, project funding, capital investments, and operating expenses are analyzed. Projections for income and expenditure, along with a detailed breakdown of fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect expenses, and profit and loss analysis, enable stakeholders to comprehend the financial health and sustainability of a business. These projections serve as a strategic tool for evaluating future profitability, assessing cash flow needs, and identifying potential financial risks.

However, challenges such as material shortages and supply chain disruptions may threaten supply stability for allylbenzene production. To combat this, manufacturers of allylbenzene can diversify their supplier networks and invest in automated inventory management systems. This approach can mitigate supply chain risks by ensuring access to multiple sources of raw materials, reducing dependency on single suppliers, and enhancing visibility into inventory levels, thereby enabling quicker responses to fluctuations in demand and supply challenges.

About Allylbenzene

Allylbenzene, also known as 3-phenylpropene, is an organic compound with the formula C₉H₁₀, characterised by a phenyl group attached to an allyl group. This compound can undergo isomerisation to form trans-propenyl benzene. It is a colourless liquid that is primarily used in organic synthesis and serves as a precursor for various phenylpropanoids, including eugenol and safrole. The compound is notable for its role in the production of fragrances and flavouring agents. Its derivatives have been used in traditional medicine and perfumery as well.

Properties of Allylbenzene

Allylbenzene, with the chemical formula C₉H₁₀, is a colourless liquid characterised by a density of 0.892 g/mL at 25°C and a boiling point of 156-157°C. It has a melting point of approximately -40°C and a flash point of 38°C. The compound is insoluble in water (solubility of 0.1 g/L) but soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and ether. It has a refractive index of 1.516 and a molecular weight of 118.16 g/mol. Chemically, allylbenzene can undergo isomerisation to trans-propenyl benzene and is known for its role as a precursor in the synthesis of eugenol and safrole.

Manufacturing Process of Allylbenzene

The production of allylbenzene begins with the preparation of raw materials, primarily benzene and propylene. These compounds are introduced into an alkylation reactor, where they react in the presence of a catalyst, such as aluminum chloride or zeolite, at elevated temperatures (around 100-200°C) and pressures. Following the reaction, the mixture is cooled, and unreacted benzene and propylene are separated through distillation. The allylbenzene is then purified, often via fractional distillation, before undergoing quality control tests to ensure it meets purity specifications. Finally, the product is packaged in appropriate containers for distribution and use.

Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Synthesis of Allylbenzene

The production of allylbenzene involves several key steps, which are mentioned below:

1. Alkylation of Benzene with Allyl Chloride

The most common industrial method for producing allylbenzene is through the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. In this reaction, benzene (C₆H₆) is reacted with allyl chloride (C₃H₅Cl) in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride (AlCl₃).

Chemical Reaction:

C₆H₆ + C₃H₅Cl → C₉H₁₀ + HCl

In this reaction, allyl chloride acts as the alkylating agent, and benzene is the aromatic substrate. The presence of the AlCl₃ catalyst facilitates the formation of allylbenzene by activating the allyl chloride and making it more reactive towards benzene.

2. Purification

After the reaction, the product mixture contains allylbenzene along with other by-products such as unreacted benzene and HCl. The mixture is subjected to purification processes, including distillation, to isolate allylbenzene.

During distillation, allylbenzene is separated based on its boiling point, leaving behind any unreacted benzene and other impurities.

3. Quality Control

The final allylbenzene product is subjected to quality control tests to ensure it meets the required purity standards. This includes checking for any residual impurities and verifying the chemical structure using techniques such as Gas Chromatography (GC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

4. Packaging

Once purified, allylbenzene is packaged in appropriate containers, usually in metal drums or glass bottles, depending on the scale of production and intended use. The packaging is done under controlled conditions to prevent any contamination or degradation of the product.

Applications and Drivers of Allylbenzene

The allylbenzene market is driven by its applications in organic synthesis, particularly as a precursor for various valuable compounds such as eugenol and safrole, which are widely used in the fragrance and flavour industries. Its role in the production of pharmaceuticals, including lipoxygenase inhibitors for anti-inflammatory treatments, further enhances its market demand. Additionally, the growing interest in natural products and plant-based chemicals is propelling the use of allylbenzene derivatives in cosmetics and personal care products, contributing to market expansion.

Key Features of the Allylbenzene Production Cost Report

A detailed overview of production cost analysis that evaluates the manufacturing process of allylbenzene is crucial for stakeholders considering entry into this sector. Furthermore, stakeholders can make informed decisions based on the latest economic data, technological innovations, production process, requirements of raw materials, utility and operating costs, capital investments by major players, pricing strategies, and profit margins. For instance, companies like BASF and Dow Chemical are investing in process optimisation technologies that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline production processes and improve quality control. These advancements are expected to drive down production costs and increase output, thereby positively impacting market growth and providing a competitive edge in the allylbenzene sector.

Below are the sections that further detail the comprehensive scope of the prefeasibility report for an allylbenzene production plant:

Market Dynamics and Trends: Growth factors such as technological advancements in production methods significantly affect market conditions in the allylbenzene sector. Recent innovations include improved synthesis techniques, such as catalytic processes that enhance yield and reduce costs. For example, the development of metal-catalyzed reactions, like those using palladium or nickel catalysts, has increased the efficiency of allylbenzene production while minimizing by-products. Electrochemical synthesis has also emerged as a promising method, allowing for the generation of allylbenzene from renewable resources. A notable example is the use of electrochemical methods to convert biomass-derived feedstocks into allylbenzene, which not only enhances sustainability but also reduces dependency on fossil fuels.

Profiling of Key Industry Players: Leading manufacturers like Haihang Industry, UIV Chem, Shangyu Catsyn Co., Ltd., and Hangzhou Hairui Chemical are included in the allylbenzene report. Recently, Wuhan Xin Wei Ye Chemical and Gelest have also emerged as significant players in the market as they are expanding their production capabilities to meet the growing demand for allylbenzene across various applications. These companies are focusing on innovative production processes to enhance their market presence and address environmental concerns associated with chemical manufacturing.

Economic Analysis: Capital expenditure (CAPEX) analysis provides stakeholders the knowledge about required investments in advanced technologies, efficient machinery, and necessary infrastructure. Investing in high-capacity mixing equipment, such as a continuous mixer or high-shear mixer, can improve production efficiency by 20-30%. Investing in energy-efficient systems, such as combined heat and power (CHP) systems could reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, as these systems use waste heat from production processes to generate electricity and provide heating. 

Historical, Current, and Forecasted Price Trends

Fluctuations in allylbenzene prices are influenced by several key factors, particularly the costs of essential raw materials such as benzene and propylene, which are essential feedstocks for its production. Variability in these prices can significantly impact production costs and profit margins for manufacturers, as any increase in feedstock prices typically translates to higher costs for end products. The growing demand from pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and speciality chemical sectors is driving prices upward, as allylbenzene is a vital intermediate in many chemical syntheses. 

The prices for allylbenzene in 2024 vary based on quantity and supplier. For instance, Tokyo Chemical Industry lists allylbenzene at INR 3,500 for 25 mL and INR 10,200 for 100 mL. BLD Pharm offers it at competitive rates, while Sigma-Aldrich lists it at approximately INR 4,839.53 for 25 g. Additionally, IndiaMART provides industrial-grade allylbenzene at around INR 100 per kg, reflecting a range of pricing options depending on purity and packaging size. These variations indicate a dynamic market influenced by demand and supply factors.

Financial Investment Overview for Allylbenzene Manufacturing Facility

Establishing an allylbenzene manufacturing facility requires a comprehensive financial investment that encompasses various elements critical to the project's success. The following sections detail these components:

• Labour: Personnel costs must be factored in, covering wages for skilled and unskilled workers involved in production and administration.
• Packaging: Expenses related to packaging materials and processes are crucial, as they ensure the product is safely transported and presented to customers.
• Utilities: Key utilities needed to produce allylbenzene, such as electricity, steam, and process water along with their cost assessments help investors to develop more accurate financial models and budget forecasts, ultimately enhancing profitability. In allylbenzene market, energy costs are significant, typically representing around 10-15% of operating expenses. This includes electricity and water necessary for the manufacturing processes.
• Transportation: Costs analysis associated with the logistics of delivering raw materials to the facility and distributing finished products to markets enable investors to select suitable location for manufacturing facilities, improve supply chain strategies, and negotiate better terms with suppliers and distributors.
• Land Acquisition: The purchase or lease of land for the facility is a substantial upfront investment as it aids stakeholders identify areas with lower land acquisition costs and favourable zoning regulations, ultimately reducing initial capital expenditures.
• Construction: Building the manufacturing plant involves significant capital expenditure, including site preparation, construction materials, and labour.
• Machinery: Investment in specialized machinery for mixing, foaming, and curing processes is essential for efficient production.

Profit Margins and Pricing Strategies

Projected profit margins and effective product pricing strategies improve overall profitability. Manufacturers might target a profit margin of around 20-30%, achieved through strategic pricing based on raw material costs and prevailing market demand. Effective pricing strategies should consider fluctuations in raw material prices and competitive positioning within the market.

Regulatory Frameworks and Environmental Considerations

The establishment of an allylbenzene manufacturing facility must comply with various regulatory frameworks. Compliance with ISO 9001 for quality management systems and ISO 14001 for environmental management is essential to ensure sustainable operations. The facilities must adhere to local and international chemical safety regulations, such as those outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which govern the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Furthermore, obtaining necessary permits and certifications related to emissions and waste management is mandatory. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures legal operation but also enhances product safety and marketability.

Key Questions Addressed:

• What are the detailed unit operations for allylbenzene production?
• Who are major technology licensors with their process evaluation?
• How are raw materials or catchem procured and what are their cost implications?
• What utilities are essential for production and what will they cost?
• What are the labour requirements and how does this affect operational costs?
• What packaging solutions are optimal for cost and efficiency?
• What logistical arrangements are necessary for efficient product distribution?
• What are the estimated land and construction costs for a new allylbenzene plant?
• How can profitability be maximised in the allylbenzene market?
• What pricing strategy should be adopted for allylbenzene to remain competitive?

This prefeasibility report aims to equip potential investors and existing manufacturers with crucial insights to make informed decisions in the allylbenzene industry.